Portland State University President Stephen Percy announced today the adoption of a five-year strategic plan for Viking Athletics. The plan, Build the Ship, offers a bold set of initiatives to support Viking student-athletes, attain the university’s athletic and academic goals, and support our regional community, from the South Park Blocks to Hillsboro. Build the Ship reflects extensive research and engagement with members of our Viking community and national experts and provides a roadmap for a more vibrant, financially sustainable program.
Percy commended John Johnson, who became PSU’s Director of Athletics in 2022, for the development of the comprehensive vision. The plan concludes a multi-year review of intercollegiate athletics at PSU which predated Johnson. The review considered wide-ranging options for the future of Portland State Athletics.
The plan’s adoption makes it resoundingly clear that the Vikings will sustain their longstanding membership in the Big Sky, one of the nation’s finest Division I Collegiate Conferences. The Vikings will continue to participate in 15 men’s and women’s sports, including Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Men’s & Women’s Cross Country, Men’s Football, Women’s Golf, Women’s Soccer, Women’s Softball, Men’s & Women’s Tennis, and Indoor and Outdoor Men’s & Women’s Track & Field.
“Viking Athletics is an important asset to PSU and our community,” said PSU President Stephen Percy. “Our diverse student athletes exemplify the best of the university — they shine in the classroom, they excel athletically, and they are future leaders across our region.”
“Our extraordinary Viking athletes are first in class and have earned the support of our campus and our community,” Johnson said. “I am excited to announce this plan and to Build the Ship here at PSU.”
The Build the Ship strategic plan is also endorsed by PSU’s incoming president, Dr. Ann Cudd, who begins her tenure on August 1.
Additional details of the Build the Ship plan will be announced over the coming weeks.